Device for attaching to tee shirt for the purpose of supporting pants

ABSTRACT

This invention is a device relating to the garment industry. It attaches near the bottom hem of a tee shirt. It works best when worn as a pair, one at each hip. This attachment is worn under the pants and serves the purpose of preventing the pants from sliding down from the hips. The device is made of a foam cube and has an elastic band protruding from it. This is distinct from other inventions for the same purpose because it is not belt-shaped and will not place pressure on the stomach. Unlike suspenders, it is invisible outwardly, and does not interfere with the appearance of the wearer&#39;s wardrobe.

This invention is an accessory for attachment near the hemline of an undershirt. Its purpose is to form an impediment which stops pants from sliding lower than desired on the hips. The invention consists of a soft one-inch cube (FIG. 1, 1) with an embedded elastic band (FIG. 2, 1). The cube is pushed from the inside of the undershirt to form a bulge (FIG. 8), then is trapped in place by the elastic band. This forms a projection from the hip that is one inch wider than the hip, giving the beltline or belt on the pants a surface to rest on (FIG. 7), resisting the pull of the weight of the pants and that of items carried in pockets.

BACKGROUND

This invention originated when I realized that straight-hipped men and women frequently struggle with pants that slide down, yet can't or won't wear suspenders. Solutions offered in the marketplace or in online forums were restricted to belts or straps worn under the waistline. These are restrictive and can be very uncomfortable. Experimenting showed me that a belt could be held suspended by anything that extended beyond the diameter of the waistline. I found it convenient to attach my device to an undershirt, which transfers the weight of the pants to the shoulders. The device needed to attach readily, weigh very little, and be sturdy yet soft. I created a combination of elastic bands, foam cubes, and paper sticks that would meet all these requirements. An earlier version of the device, with the same characteristics but some different materials, was presented in the Provisional Application for a Patent under the customer number 158483 by the same named inventor.

Manufacture

Currently this invention is manufactured through manual labor. Foam cubes, one-inch in dimension, are purchased from a supplier. They are pierced near the center of one side through their entire width (FIG. 2.5). Another hole is pierced through the cube at right angles to the first, terminating where they intersect, at about half the depth of the cube (FIG. 2.4). An elastic band (FIG. 2.1) about two inches in diameter is inserted into the top hole so that the loop passes through the middle of the cube (FIG. 3). A rod made of tightly rolled paper is then pushed through the side hole, passed through the loop and beyond, until it is completely inside the cube (FIG. 3). This anchors the elastic loop to the cube (FIG. 3).

Method of Use

The cube is placed inside the undershirt near the hem (FIG. 9), with the elastic band protruding beyond the bottom of the shirt (FIG. 10). The cube is grasped through the shirt with one hand while the other pulls the elastic up on the outside of the undershirt (FIG. 11). The cube is then pushed through the loop in a manner similar to pushing a button through a buttonhole (FIG. 12). This will capture the cube inside a section of the undershirt which is held closed by the elastic band (FIG. 13). Best use of these accessories is to attach them in pairs, one on each hip. Pants are then worn with a comfortable waist size that cannot accommodate sliding down over the two extra inches added to the waistline, thus serving a purpose similar to suspenders but invisible to the observer.

Upon achieving patent pending status for this invention the inventor began marketing to and through outlets that cater to menswear customers, and hobbyists and trades that may carry equipment, etc. in pockets or on belts, as well as directly to consumers.

Manufacture will be carried out by hand until such time as demand dictates automated processes are in order.

LIST OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Exploded front view of invention

FIG. 2: Exploded perspective view of invention

FIG. 3: Front view of assembled invention

FIG. 4: Perspective view of assembled invention

FIG. 5: Cutaway front view of invention

FIG. 6: Cutaway side view of invention

FIG. 7: Invention in place beneath pants supporting belt

FIG. 8: Location of invention when attached to tee shirt

FIG. 9: Invention inserted inside tee shirt

FIG. 10: Elastic loop extended beyond hem of tee shirt

FIG. 11: Preparing to insert cube through elastic loop

FIG. 12: Cube being inserted through elastic band

FIG. 13: Cube attached to tee shirt 

1. The method of attaching the cube to the undershirt has not been used in a device for supporting pants.
 2. The use of separate, small cubes is distinct from any other attachment to a shirt used to support pants.
 3. The use of a fastener that is integral to the device is unique. 